The Way Kids See It {We Can Change The World}

June 6, 2014 · by: Kim

I think a great deal about how I can… how my family can… do more for others. Do more to make this world a better place. I used to think that it had to be something big to really make a difference. But as I got older I realized that sometimes it’s the small things we can do… that we all can do collectively… that add up to that big thing that makes a difference in this world.

While this post is part of a sponsored campaign by Unilever Project Sunlight, all opinions and experiences expressed are entirely my own. You know I’d have it no other way!

As a parent we try to influence our children to make good choices and in the process of teaching mine, I often remind myself of what I should be doing. You too?! {grin}

There is still much to be done in my household and in my community, but these are a few of the small things we’ve personally done that I pray will add up to big changes:

Recycling – at first it was such a hassle. Remembering not to throw the shampoo bottle in the trash, but to actually take it downstairs to the recycling boxes in my garage. And then since they don’t pick up recycling in my neighborhood yet, driving it to a recycling bin a few miles away. Now… honestly… I can’t imagine tossing that shampoo bottle in with our biodegradable trash. It just feels wrong!

Upcycling – this one is actually a bit easier for me because I’m a crafter. I love making something out of nothing or upcycling something into something new. And in the process of upcycling, honestly I consume less than I used to.

Trash Up – we love to hike and to spend lots of time in nature. And when we see trash on the ground or in a pond it really bothers us. Of course sometimes the trash is an accident (e.g., blown away by the wind), but when people are purposely lazy it’s really upsetting. If it’s just an item or two we’ll pick it up and take it to nearest trash can. But we have gone back to places with trash bags and these “pincher-grabber” things (named by my children) and picked up trash. It’s yucky, but it’s really rewarding.

In November of last year, Unilever, one of the world’s leading suppliers of food, home and personal care products, launched Unilever Project Sunlight, a long-term initiative to motivate people to live sustainably by inspiring them to create a brighter future for children. The project aims to create a growing community of people who believe it is possible to build a world where everyone lives well and lives sustainably, without compromising the needs of future generations.

I’m so excited to share Project Sunlight’s latest film, “The Way Kids See It.” It shines a light on the unique ideas and the magic that children all over the world apply to tackle all sorts of environmental and social issues.

The minds of children are such a gift. They’re not clouded by all the “what ifs” and “what abouts” that our adult minds are. And because they’re not clouded they can dream big and act immediately. They don’t see obstacles, they just see benefits. We adults could take a lesson from them.

I encourage you to take a cue from the optimistic outlook your children have on the world. Adopt sustainable habits at home. Unilever Project Sunlight has ideas to help you get started. Visit projectsunlight.us to learn more about Uniliver’s Summer Sunlight Activities.

I’ll personally be upcycling with my kids and growing an herb garden to help reduce waste. I can’t wait to share it all with you. I hope you’ll join me and take small steps to make our world a better place now and for our generations to come.

As always, I hope you’re inspired to craft, bake, create, celebrate AND change the world! {grin}

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About Kim

Kim Byers, creative director & owner of The Celebration Shoppe. Her work has been featured in Parents, Better Homes and Gardens, All You, Pregnancy, iVillage, Huffington Post and many others. Kim is also a contributing writer for Kellogg's, JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores, and World Market.

Karen – maybe you could start with just one item type to get started. For instance, recycle all glass… Or all plastic containers. It would take longer to fill up a bin so you wouldn’t have to travel to the recycling as often. You’ll be amazed at how much you toss and how good you feel when you don’t. Good luck!